#Web design essentials

[uniqque007]

24 Essential Aspects in Website Design and Development

In today's digital era, having an online presence is more important than ever. As businesses seek to expand their reach, a compelling website emerges as a pivotal asset. From a simple blog to a full-fledged e-commerce platform, a website serves as a reflection of a brand's identity. It's no surprise, then, that branding consultancy firms stress the importance of a robust online footprint. But how does one ensure that a website is effective, functional, and represents a brand appropriately? Dive in as we explore 24 key elements to consider during website design and development.

Clear Purpose

A website without a clear purpose is like a ship without a compass. Before diving into design or content, pin down the core objective of your site. Is it a platform meant to drive sales? Or perhaps it's a resource hub, filled with valuable information? Maybe it's designed for community engagement or to showcase a portfolio? Recognizing the primary mission of your website forms the foundation of all subsequent design and content strategies, ensuring alignment with your business goals. For more insights, click here: https://www.khula.studio/insights-on-branding-and-webflow.

Intuitive Design

We've all been on websites that leave us scratching our heads, trying to figure out where to go next. An the ideal website that seamlessly guides visitors, allowing them to effortlessly find the information or product they're seeking. Intuitive design is about predictability and simplicity, ensuring that the user experience is smooth and frustration-free.

Branding Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to brand representation. From logos and color schemes to tone of voice and messaging, every element should be harmonized. Branding consultancy can offer invaluable insights here, ensuring that your website doesn't just look good, but also accurately reflects your brand identity.

Loading Speed

Time is of the essence, especially in the online realm. Long loading times can deter even the most patient visitors. Ensuring optimal loading speed is essential not just for user experience but also for SEO purposes. Faster websites generally mean happier users and potentially better search engine rankings.

Mobile Responsiveness

In today's smartphone-dominated world, a mobile-responsive site isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. With a significant portion of web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring that your website adjusts to different screen sizes and resolutions is imperative.

Quality Content

While visuals capture attention, content retains it. Rich, compelling, and original content not only engages visitors but also positions your site as an authority in its niche. Moreover, quality content, when optimized, can significantly enhance your site's SEO, driving organic traffic and boosting search engine rankings.

Engaging Visuals

The human brain processes visuals much faster than text. Integrating high-quality images, infographics, and videos can greatly enrich the user experience, making your content more digestible and engaging.

User-friendly Navigation

A complex navigation system can be off-putting. Streamlined, clear, and logical navigation enhances usability, allowing visitors to traverse your site with ease.

Effective CTA

You've attracted visitors to your site; now, what do you want them to do? Clear and compelling Calls to Action (CTA) can guide users, whether that's to make a purchase, sign up for a newsletter, or follow on social media.

SEO Optimization

Visibility is key in the vast digital ocean. Implementing SEO best practices ensures your website stands out. Furthermore, experts in Branding Consultancy often highlight the relationship between strong brand portrayal and SEO. The two, when aligned, can work wonders.

Feedback Mechanisms

Open channels for communication allow users to voice concerns, give praise, or make inquiries. This can be through feedback forms, surveys, or interactive chatbots, all of which enhance user engagement and provide valuable insights for website improvement.

Regular Updates

Stagnancy can be a website's downfall. Regular content and design updates keep your site relevant and in line with current industry trends.

Security Measures

In an era of increasing cyber threats, security is paramount. Implementing protective measures, such as SSL certificates, not only safeguards your site's data but also instills trust in your visitors.

Analytics Integration

Knowledge is power. Integrating analytical tools provides insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and other essential metrics, guiding future optimizations and strategies.

Social Media Integration

Bridge the gap between your website and your social platforms. Integration allows users to easily connect with your brand across multiple channels, fostering community and increasing reach.

Browser Compatibility

Different browsers can display websites differently. Ensure that your site appears and functions consistently, irrespective of whether a user is on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or any other browser.

Accessible Design

A website should be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. From color contrasts to screen reader capabilities, prioritize inclusivity.

Backup and Recovery

Technical glitches are inevitable. Having robust backup systems ensures that, in the event of a mishap, your website can be swiftly restored, minimizing disruptions.

Testimonials and Reviews

Authentic testimonials and reviews provide social proof, bolstering your brand's credibility and trustworthiness.

Newsletter Signup

Regularly engaging with your audience builds loyalty. Newsletter signups allow you to keep your audience updated, fostering a sense of community.

Clear Policies

Transparency is key. Clearly articulating your website's terms of service, privacy policies, and other essential guidelines avoids ambiguity and builds trust.

Multiple Payment Options

Flexibility in payment options enhances user convenience, potentially driving sales and boosting conversion rates.

Customer Support

Prompt and effective support mechanisms, whether FAQs or live chats, ensure user queries are addressed, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.

Future-proofing

The digital world is ever-evolving. Building your website with scalability in mind ensures it remains relevant and effective, irrespective of future trends.

In essence, the art and science of website design and development are multifaceted. With the evolving trends and dynamics of the digital realm, and the insights Branding Consultancy provides, it's essential to stay adaptable, informed, and always aligned with your core purpose.

Conclusion

Designing and developing a website goes beyond mere aesthetics. It's about creating an experience that resonates with users and effectively communicates a brand's essence. These 24 elements, coupled with insights from Branding Consultancy experts, can serve as a comprehensive guide to building a site that stands the test of time. Whether you're starting from scratch or revamping an existing platform, these considerations can set you on the path to digital success. Always remember, the digital world might be vast, but with the right tools and strategies, your brand can stand out and make a lasting impact.

Visit here for more: https://www.khula.studio/

[happywebdesign]

Comme Si

[hellfyre]

i love spending so much time developing world building stuff like the ecosystem and culture of a fake early 2000's exclusive gore forum for my horror novel instead of actually writing chapters lol

[jummpmarketingofficial]

 Top 10 Web Design Essentials Every Home Builder Needs in 2025

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of web design for home builders, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to remain competitive. With user behavior, technology, and search engine algorithms continuously changing, your website needs more than just beautiful images. Whether you're an established builder or just starting in Kelowna BC, implementing cutting-edge web design essentials is key to capturing leads, building credibility, and driving sales.

Let’s explore the top 10 web design essentials every home builder must integrate in 2025 for a powerful online presence.

1. Responsive & Mobile-First Layouts

A mobile-first website is no longer optional—it's essential. Over half of users access websites from their smartphones. If your site doesn’t adapt to different screen sizes, you’ll lose potential clients.

What to do:

Ensure your site adjusts automatically for phones, tablets, and desktops.

Prioritize fast load times and simplified navigation on smaller screens.

Avoid large, uncompressed images that slow down mobile performance.

A responsive web design ensures your site is always accessible, no matter the device—crucial for modern homebuyers researching on-the-go.

2. High-Impact Multimedia & Portfolio Presentation

People buy with their eyes, especially in the home-building industry. Strong visuals can tell your brand story far more effectively than text.

What to do:

Showcase high-resolution images of past projects.

Include virtual tours, time-lapse construction videos, and before-and-after galleries.

Make use of sliders, lightboxes, and hover effects for an immersive experience.

A well-curated portfolio is the backbone of web design for home builders, offering visitors an instant preview of your craftsmanship and design capabilities.

3. Clear Branding & Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Your branding should communicate who you are, what you do, and why you’re different—all in seconds. In a competitive market like Kelowna BC, your value proposition needs to resonate immediately.

What to do:

Use a cohesive color scheme, logo, and typography throughout your site.

Place your UVP front and center on your homepage.

Reinforce branding in headers, footers, and call-to-action sections.

Clear branding increases trust and makes your site memorable—two essentials for effective web design.

4. Geolocalized Content for Targeted Visibility

Home builders thrive on local projects. If you’re based in Web design Kelowna BC, your web design should reflect that with geotargeted content.

What to do:

Create location-specific service pages (e.g., ���Custom Homes in Kelowna BC”).

Highlight projects in local neighborhoods.

Include content about the local architecture, climate considerations, and building codes.

Local SEO boosts your rankings for relevant searches and makes your site more useful to nearby clients.

5. Strong Lead Generation Features

Your website should be more than just an online brochure—it should actively generate leads. Lead generation is one of the most critical parts of web design for home builders.

What to do:

Include “Get a Quote” or “Schedule a Consultation” buttons in key locations.

Offer gated content like design guides or pricing estimates in exchange for contact info.

Use pop-ups or chatbots for quick questions and engagement.

Effective CTAs (calls-to-action) guide your visitors toward the next step in their journey, converting curiosity into contact.

6. Fast Loading Speed

Speed matters—for both user experience and search engine rankings. A slow-loading site drives visitors away and lowers your position on search engines.

What to do:

Compress images and reduce unnecessary scripts.

Enable browser caching and use optimized hosting.

Test your site speed regularly and fix bottlenecks.

For modern web design, especially in competitive areas like Kelowna BC, fast-loading pages are non-negotiable.

7. SEO and Content Marketing Strategy

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for ensuring potential clients can find you online. A solid SEO strategy tailored to web design for home builders can significantly increase organic traffic.

What to do:

Use keywords like “custom home builder Kelowna” and “luxury home design” throughout your content.

Include headings, meta descriptions, and alt texts for images.

Regularly publish blog posts with useful insights, design tips, or project spotlights.

Good content not only educates your audience but also boosts your credibility and rankings.

8. Interactive & Immersive Features

Interactive features add engagement and excitement to your site, enhancing the overall user experience.

What to do:

Add animated image galleries or parallax scrolling.

Use hover effects on service sections to reveal more info.

Consider implementing a virtual home design tool or cost estimator.

Interactive design keeps users engaged longer and helps them better understand your services—a growing trend in web design for home builders.

9. Accessibility & Inclusive Design

An inclusive web design ensures everyone, including those with disabilities, can easily access and navigate your website.

What to do:

Use clear, readable fonts and high contrast color schemes.

Add alt text to all images.

Ensure your site is keyboard-navigable and screen reader-friendly.

Not only is this ethically important, but it also broadens your reach and enhances your SEO.

10. Analytics, Chatbots & AI Integration

Technology can help you understand visitor behavior and improve engagement in real time.

What to do:

Install analytics tools to track visits, bounce rates, and conversions.

Use chatbots for answering FAQs or gathering client details.

Leverage AI to personalize user experience, such as recommending homes or layouts based on user preferences.

For builders in Kelowna BC, smart integrations offer a competitive edge and turn your site into a powerful sales tool.

Conclusion

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in web design for home builders. With increased competition, evolving tech, and higher consumer expectations, your website must be more than just functional—it needs to be fast, visually stunning, locally relevant, and built to convert.

Whether you're targeting the bustling neighborhoods of Kelowna BC or expanding beyond, these 10 essentials will transform your website into a high-performance digital asset that attracts, engages, and converts your audience.

FAQs

Why is mobile-first design necessary for home builder websites?

Mobile-first design ensures that your site looks great and works well on smartphones and tablets. Most users now browse from mobile devices, making this essential for user experience and SEO.

How can I make my website more localized for Kelowna, BC?

Include local keywords, project showcases from Kelowna, and content that directly addresses the region's climate, building codes, and customer preferences.

What kind of content should I include in my blog?

Focus on topics like home design trends, construction timelines, cost guides, or project showcases. Content helps build trust and improves your visibility on search engines.

Do I need a chatbot or is a contact form enough?

Chatbots provide instant engagement and can answer common questions 24/7. They complement contact forms by offering real-time interaction.

How often should I update my website?

Review and update your site content at least quarterly. Ensure that your portfolio, blog, and service areas are up to date with the latest information.

[siteitnow]

Boost sales with Shopify Experts at Site It Now. Learn how to set up a Shopify store and use top Shopify apps to increase conversions and growth.

[lenterablog]

The Essential Skills Every Web Designer Needs to Master

Web design is an exciting and dynamic field that blends creativity with technology. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to hone your skills, mastering the right set of skills will set you on the path to success. In today’s competitive web design industry, a solid foundation in both design and technical skills is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the essential Web Designer Skills and Tools every…

[iyiadebizz]

The Best Tools for Beginner Web Designers: Start Here

Web design is always changing, and for new designers, it can be both thrilling and confusing. Finding the right tools is crucial, whether you’re starting out or want to improve your skills. This guide will show you the top web design tools for beginners. It will help you start your creative journey and create amazing websites. We’ll look at tools like Trello1 for managing projects and Adobe XD2…

[devkaarofficial]

Web Developers On Independence Day | #devkaar #digitalmarketing #devkaa...

[logostek2024]

Embark on Ecommerce Success: 10 Vital Tips for Your Website Launch

To establish credibility with visitors, pay attention to your website’s design and user interface. Unlike established brands, you need to build trust from the ground up. Include elements such as a recognizable logo, attractive product displays, customer reviews, and clear calls to action. Ensure the design is intuitive, making it easy for customers to navigate and make purchases.

[98edits]

The Secrets of a Skilled WordPress Designer

A WordPress designer is a skilled professional adept at crafting dynamic and visually compelling websites using the WordPress platform. With expertise in both front-end and back-end development, a WordPress design, such as Jane Web Solutions, possesses a deep understanding of the platform's functionalities and customization options. They specialise in creating responsive, user-friendly designs that align with clients' brand identities and objectives. Jane Web Solutions stands out for their proficiency in leveraging WordPress's vast plugin ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration of features for enhanced website functionality. Whether designing corporate websites, blogs, or e-commerce platforms, a WordPress design plays a crucial role in delivering tailored, aesthetically pleasing, and functional websites that cater to the unique needs of clients and provide an engaging online experience for their audiences.

Role and Responsibilities of a WordPress Designer

A WordPress designer is a crucial professional responsible for creating visually appealing and functional websites using the WordPress platform. Their primary role involves translating client requirements into engaging website designs, ensuring a seamless user experience. They collaborate with clients to understand their brand identity and objectives, integrating these elements into the overall design.

Technical Proficiency and Skills

A skilled WordPress possesses a comprehensive understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, alongside in-depth knowledge of WordPress themes, plugins, and customization options. Proficiency in graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is often essential. This technical expertise enables them to transform creative concepts into fully functional and responsive WordPress websites.

Customization and Theme Development

A designer excels in customization, tailoring websites to meet unique client needs. They adeptly navigate theme development, ensuring that the design aligns with the client's branding while maintaining optimal performance and responsiveness across various devices. The ability to create custom themes or modify existing ones showcases their versatility in adapting to diverse project requirements.

User-Centric Design and Accessibility

An effective WordPress designes prioritises user-centric design, creating interfaces that enhance user experience and accessibility. They consider factors such as intuitive navigation, readability, and mobile responsiveness to ensure that the website engages visitors effectively. Implementing accessibility features is crucial to make the website inclusive and compliant with industry standards.

SEO Integration and Optimization

A proficient designer understands the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) for a website's visibility. They integrate SEO best practices during the design phase, optimising elements like meta tags, headers, and image alt text. This proactive approach contributes to better search engine rankings and increased online visibility for the client's website.

Client Collaboration and Communication

Successful WordPress designer prioritise effective communication and collaboration with clients. They engage in thorough consultations to grasp the client's vision, providing regular updates and seeking feedback throughout the design process. Clear communication ensures that the final product aligns with the client's expectations and goals.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

The dynamic nature of web design and technology requires designers to stay abreast of the latest trends, updates, and tools. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to evolving industry standards sets apart an excellent designer. This ensures that they can leverage new features and technologies to deliver innovative and up-to-date website solutions for their clients.

Conclusion

Engaging a skilled WordPress designer is paramount for a successful online presence. A proficient designer, like XYZ WordPress Designs, brings expertise in leveraging the versatile capabilities of the WordPress platform. With a proven track record of creating visually stunning and functionally robust websites, XYZ WordPress Designs stands out for its commitment to customization, ensuring each website reflects the unique identity and goals of the client. Their proficiency in optimising for responsiveness and user experience underscores their dedication to delivering websites that not only captivate audiences but also function seamlessly across devices. By choosing XYZ WordPress Designs, clients can expect a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and technical excellence, resulting in a dynamic and impactful online representation tailored to their specific needs.

[happywebdesign]

Essential Goods

[evolvedsma]

Full Marketing Strategy,  Evolved Strategic Marketing

An Effective Strategy Can Guarantee Results.

Investing time and resources in a strategic approach will ensure maximum return on investment.

Creating a full marketing strategy can be a daunting task for business owners and marketers alike. It's important to remember that no two strategies are alike, as each business has its own unique set of goals and challenges. In order to create an effective marketing strategy, it's important to understand and consider the overall objectives of the business, as well as its target audience.

Learn More

A Full Marketing Strategy in Place Will Drive Results.

With the right strategy, businesses can create results that exceed expectations.

A full marketing strategy should be tailored to the specific needs of the business. It should incorporate both online and offline tactics, such as content marketing, SEO, email marketing, social media, advertising, and public relations. By taking a holistic approach to marketing, businesses can reach a wider audience and engage potential customers.

[scribblestatic]

Masterpost Next

I read this post by @/diushek and I have been inspired.

EDIT: IT'S THIS POST BY @deikshen, their username changed!

Their post and mine aren't really all that related save for parts of the premise, but still, I'm thankful for the inspiration so I'd like them to get attention.

--

Shen Yuan as a spider demon(?).

In his last life, since he had a lot of free time, he, of course, dove headfirst into webnovels. But, he also grew up fixing his little sister's toys and had found out that he enjoys sewing. He was rather sickly, so it wasn't like he had much else to do.

So, he learned how to fix dolls, then design clothes for dolls. Then, he designed and made a dress for his meimei to wear for a school play, and he's spiraled out of control since.

He especially went wild while reading PIDW. Airplane was so neglectful while describing clothes, so of course, he had to design what he thought they would look like!! And, if it just so happened people would spend money to buy his outfits for their professional make and relative historical accuracy, sure!

Then PIDW ends terribly, Shen Yuan writes his last hate post, and he essentially dies from rage (his already weak heart couldn't beat properly in the end).

And the next time he's aware of himself, he's sitting neatly in the center of a well-woven web.

He can't see very well, but he can feel vibrations all over the place. He'd thought to put on his glasses, but couldn't seem to...put them on. Somehow, he knew they weren't around.

He also knows that he's quite terribly hungry.

So, he doesn't think twice when he feels a vibration in his web and he crawls over to a struggling creature. He can feel the qi coming from it, whatever it is. But that doesn't matter for now. It's just food.

And he's hungry.

So he injected his prey and began to slurp up the remains.

This continues for an indeterminate amount of time. Making webs, catching and consuming prey, moving to new areas when he decided the area was getting too crowded or was unsuitable. The more plants he finds, the more he appreciates the environment, and he tends to stick around them longer until he must move.

A little ticking clock in the back of his head seems to tell him he should be dead. That his life was extending beyond its usual limits.

However, that wasn't really something he cared too much about. Instead, if he wasn't trying to sate his deep, nearly endless hunger, there wasn't much else he cared to do. Not even the thought of reproducing enticed him.

Though, a part of him was bored. If he had something to read, that would be nice, but he had nothing. So, he'd just have to mull over a story he remembers from somewhere, a hateful little thing that, despite all its faults and failures, drags back into his mind once more.

At least playing around with plants helped a bit, moving the seeds and testing the soil with thin limbs and senses beyond anything a human has.

Some time later, he finds a little cavern with strong qi. He decides that would be nice to stay in since the plants around it are plentiful and full of energy, and he makes it his home. He connects the various webs he makes to his home web, able to feel the pull and location of each web to hunt, capture, and take it back to a much safer, more secure place.

He finds his mind becoming a bit clearer the longer he stays there. Eventually, he even finds that his eyesight is getting better as well. Although he was perfectly fine feeling through vibrations, the colors around him are quite interesting as well.

Eventually, one day, he feels something pull on one of his webs. As usual, he goes out to wrap it up. But, as he approaches his prey, it calls out to him.

"Wait! Wait! Please spare me!!"

Shen Yuan pauses. If he tries to focus his vision a bit...the form of this prey looks a bit human, doesn't it? Huh. When did humans get so small? He could've sworn they were bigger before.

"Please, I just... I just wanted the fruit!!"

The fruit...ah. Yes, he'd included a few nearby trees in his web at some point. Hadn't they just been little branches? Hm. Time sure does fly.

Shen Yuan focuses his blurry vision on the being in his web. Indeed, it seems to be human. A man, if he recalls...yes. A grown human male.

Humans... He thinks of them neutrally. Humans are not exclusively good or evil, but some tend to act more one way or another. In the end, they're just another animal trying to survive and live well.

However, that shouldn't come at the expense of stealing his fruit! He eats those because they're tasty! He brought the seeds with him when he moved from his last place and he planted them himself. They're his plants...his trees! No one else had the right to take from it.

Apparently, he lets some of this thought out, a whithery, faint hiss singing from between his fangs.

"Thieeeef..."

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! Please, let me go, and I won't come here ever again!"

Hmmh. Not likely. If a human came this far, then it was possible there was some sort of issue with their own food. Couldn't the humans tell that he owned this area? Well...he did hide his webs well so prey could fall into his traps.

Even so, he doesn't think there's a village or anything close to this place, so this human was likely desperate enough to come out and pursue the fruit from his trees to eat. What was more likely was that the human would wail about his presence and bring trouble back with him.

So, he had a few options.

1. Release the human foolishly and wait for them to encroach on his domain.

2. Eat the human, then wait to see if anyone would come looking for him. This would possibly lead to more problems.

3. Let the human take a fruit, to make them indebted to him...but he can't just do that out of kindness. Humans could try to take advantage of him, or maybe hunt him anyway.

4...

Equivalent exchange. Bartering. If he sets this up as something where he and the humans mutually benefit while keeping the humans indebted to him, perhaps they would be less likely to see him negatively. They would also maintain a healthy fear of him.

Goodness, he was coming up with such good ideas just from encountering a single human. Perhaps associating with them a little wouldn't be so bad.

"...Free you. Fruit...but. Paaaay..."

The man trembled in his web. It was getting rather difficult to resist eating him. Such squirming enticed his senses.

"P-Pay? Pay how??"

"...Stoooory."

The man stumbles and mutters, but eventually, he starts telling a story from his village. It's just some sort of child's tale.

Even so, it's not boring.

"Hmm... Poor quality..."

The man starts pleading again as he approaches, but his pleas quiet as he, instead of wrapping him up, starts untangling the human.

"The main character...no personalityyy. Milquetoast. The princess. Even more flat. No motivation. Cookie-cutter character. The bear. Foolish. No protective instiiiinct. Elementary. 2/10."

He ends his critique while placing a webbed bag of fruit in the man's hands.

"Begone."

The human obeys.

And just as Shen Yuan expected, that same web triggers just a few days later.

This time, it's a human female. She's not as tangled in the web as the man was, having stopped fighting as much early on.

She has two heartbeats, but is terribly thin. The human male had been quite thin as well. Why?

"Lord Spider, this lowly woman is sorry... Please, may this one...tell you a story?"

"Hmm..."

Shen Yuan settles down, curling his limbs close, and waits.

She tells a story that's better than the one the male told him. Her heart skips and jumps at points, especially when the main character—a woman this time—experiences hardship. This is quite clearly a story close to her heart.

It's full off happiness and grief. A marriage collapsing from the death of her lover, and a family who refused to support her for being barren. She fights and fights and fights, and carves a place for herself. Just when she thinks she's found happiness, a tragedy strikes. A famine. And she, having exhausted everything she had, dies.

"Hmm... Interesting. Bold protagonist. Hardyyyy. Faces a dogfight world. Should ask for heeeelp. Husband. Tragic. Death too soooon. Loved the main character. Left her behind. Family. Cruuuuel. Mindless. Women are not jusssst for breeding.

"Hmm. 7/10. Too sad, realistic still."

He adds some grasses with wisps of qi coming from it to her bundle.

"What is this?" she asks.

"For the baaaaaby."

She seems to startle at that, though he's not sure why.

"...Thanking Lord Spider."

She leaves before he has to tell her to go.

...

After that, humans become a regular enough visitor that he leaves a string with leaves on the end for them to call for him. Surely, they're stuck getting caught in his webs. More importantly, he's tired of having to rearrange them every time. They really leave his webs a tangled mess.

As the season warms further, they come with more stories. Many are quite terrible and not worth his time. He gives them fruit regardless, because at least they have staved off his boredom.

They've decided on calling him Lulin Zhizhu (绿林之主 - lǜlín zhī zhǔ - Lord of the Green Forest). Or, simply, Zhizhu.

Apparently, his webs were keeping the villagers safe? The food he'd been catching had a taste for human flesh (not that he didn't, but still), so by eating, he had been helping them without intending to. That apparently made him more reverent to them, and they put more effort into their stories based on how he rated them.

Fan Zhenzhen (范蓁蓁 - Fàn Zhēnzhēn), the second human who told him a story, quickly became one of his favorites. She told the best stories, real ones, that brought back emotions he felt had been taken over by instinct for a long while. He wouldn't say he treated her better, but he did make sure to cultivate more of the grass for the child growing within her.

The humans steadily grew stronger and meatier...perhaps tastier, but he'd lose his stories if he ate them. Eventually, whatever blight affected their village abated a bit, and they could once again start growing their own food.

Instead of abandoning him, they brought him some of the food as an offering.

"Hmm...famine," he murmured, his way of speech having improved from socializing. "The sickness. Still in the fields."

"Sickness?" a farmer asked.

"Yes. The plants, victim to illness. They will not grow well." He leaves for a moment to get something. It seems they learned his habits, as they're still waiting when he returns. He drops another plant he cultivated within the realm of his webs. "Crush these. Spread them. The fields and the water."

The farmer and his offspring bow low to the ground. "Thanking Zhizhu for his wisdom!"

The offerings they bring after that show markable improvement, and the name they gave him sticks even harder.

Of course, they continue to tell him stories, as that's the most important thing they can give him. He becomes quite settled with hearing them speak and starts to absentmindedly weave little things related to the stories they tell him.

At this, Fan Zhenzhen approaches with another idea, her stomach rounding out with child.

"Zhizhu, this lowly one apologizes for being impertent. As the days grow colder, this feeble woman fears the chill of winter more than the hunger of famine. For her next story, may she instead receive some of your silk?"

"Silk...for clothes."

"Yes, if this lowly one may ask of Zhizhu."

"Hmm... Tell the story."

So she does. As with the others, it too delves into the life of the main character, who is now a powerful figure in her village for her ability to weave. Her weaving helped the villagers trust the nearby forest god, who was frightening but gracious, wild yet magnanimous. She talks about how the character was once sold by her family to be a maid elsewhere, and how she's learned to survive and come up to her current position.

As she does, Shen Yuan eyes her. The vibrations from her voice gives him a good view of her body and shape. He unconsciously, mindlessly, weaves a coat for her.

It's thin. Surely not enough to stave off winter's chill. So, when she finishes and he gives his rating, he gives her both the thread she requested and the thin coat.

It is, according to her, magnificently beautiful. In turn, Shen Yuan can't help but feel a little puff of pride in his abdomen.

---

Ah...this is getting longer than I meant lol

I'll make another post soon.